Tuesday, May 4, 2010

What a week! It all started with the Cody's Crew Golf Outing that was held at Virginia Oaks Golf Club on Thursday. A wonderful time was had by all. We had some great gifts that were donated and the weather couldn't have been better. For those of you who follow the Washington Redskins you may know of the Hoggets. Well we had those crazy fellows attend also. Many of those who participated have asked if we were doing this again next year. My answer to that is "how could we not?" We are happy to say that we raised almost $9500.00. Not bad for our first event huh? Thanks to all of you who donated and also to those of you who attended.

So, after our great day on Thursday we had to try and get a little rest. Friday, Diane and I went to work and put in a full day before heading up to Butler PA. What's in Butler PA you ask. Well, my mother was suppose to get knee replacement surgery a week ago but her EKG tests came back with some questionable results. It turns out that she had some major blockage leading to her heart. After all little convincing she decided that she would have heart surgery. She ended up have double heart bypass on Monday. My sister says that she is stable but still in ICU as of today. I will be heading back up there on Friday to spend the weekend with her.

The Pittsburgh Marathon. It seems as though most of my past race performances have been less than ideal. The Pittsburgh Marathon would be no exception. After doing 40 miles at the Hampton VA 24 Hour Relay just 2 weeks ago my back went out one day later. When I say "it went out", I mean, it went out worse than it ever has. I did not run one step for the 2 weeks leading up to the race. I just really wanted to do this race. I was seeing a chiropractor every other day in those 2 weeks trying to get my back together. By Wednesday I had decided that I was feeling good enough to do the race. Sunday morning the race kicked off and it started to rain almost immediately. I didn't go more than a mile before I had a lady run up to me and ask if I was Mickey. She knows both of my brothers and knows of Cody and my running with the flag. I had a nice little chat with her and we are now friends on Facebook. It wasn't 500 feet later that a guy came up to me and said that he knew me from Runners World. Later in the race I had a guy come up to me and tell me that he ran in Hampton 2 weeks ago and remembered me and the other Cody's Crew runners carrying the flag. This is what makes it all worth it. I want people to look for "the flag guy". I want them to know what Cody's Crew is and stands for. That is why I do all of this. I had others ask me what the flag was for and why I would carry a flag for a whole marathon. Did I mention the rain? The flag was soaked but I never considered stopping. For me, if I'm not carrying that flag, then I might as well stop running. This was one of the hardest marathons that I have ever done. It was an accumulation of many things. Less than desirable training, a hilly course, touchy back and rain. It is now Tuesday and my legs hurt more than ever before. So much so that I'm going to get a massage tomorrow after work. Many of my runner friends swear by them so I think I will give it a try. My final time was 4:43:55. Not my best time that's for sure but my reason for running has changed. Now I don't run for time but to deliver the message of Cody's Crew. I want people to take notice. Take notice that neuroblastoma is killing our children and not enough is being done to stop it.

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About Me

I grew up, ah, got older in Ford City Pa. A small town 45 minutes up the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh. Growing up a true 70's child I really thought that the Steelers were suppose to win the Super Bowl every year. :D Being the free spirit that I am I couldn't wait to get out on my own, so I joined the Navy. I flew out to the Philippines and met my boat the USS John Paul Jones DDG32. From there we sailed back to the states and spent most of the rest of my tour between San Diego and Long Beach. Since getting out I married twice, had 6 children and lived in Groton CT, Pensacola FL, Germantown MD and now in Northern VA. I've been married to my wife Diane for 10 years now and have three energetic and loving children. My life reads like a fiction novel in many ways. Many ups and downs but I feel blessed to have this life. To some it may seem boring but it's all mine.. :D